Cable support bracket

ABSTRACT

This invention comprises a cable support bracket incorporating an elongated member designed for having a channeled surface for embracing a length of electrical conducting line and supporting its weight, with a tie means being wrapped around both of the elongated member and the line to secure the two together. An extension may project from one or both of the proximate ends of the elongated member to provide for fastening of said tie means, and at least one flange projects from the elongated member to provide for attachment of the bracket to a utility pole or other mounting device.

[451 Feb. 26, 1974 United States Patent Farmer et a1.

3,210,030 10/1965 Ramsey et 174/40 CC X 3,288,918 11/1966 Schlein.................,............. 174/173 n n n Me T M ef Km mum a e B Tnfi R..o. n 0 mm P e PMH m mm 8%. mm M4 9 r t Primary Examiner-Laramie E. Askin Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Paul M. Denk [22] Filed:

[57] ABSTRACT This invention comprises a cable support bracket incorporating an elongated member designed for having [52] US. 174/40 R, 174/173, l74/D1G. 12,

a channeled surface for embracing a length of electri- 3/ g cal conducting line and supporting its weight, with a tie means being wrapped around both of the elongated member and the line to secure the two together. An

extension may project from one or both of the proxi- [51] Int.

5 3 1 4 4 C C 0 4 R 0 4 4 7 1 h c e S f 174/173, DIG. 12; 248/65, 71, 73, 74 R I l v I mate ends of the elongated member to provide for fas- 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS tening of said tie means, and at least one flange projects from the elongated member to provide for attachment of the bracket to a utility pole or other mounting device.

1S Claims,-13 Drawing Figures PATENTEUFEB25 m4 SHEET 2 OF 3 FIG.8

l q l 1.11 I

FIGJO CABLE SUPPORT BRACKET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a cable bracket, and more particularly pertains to an elongated cable support for holding one or more heavy electrically conducting lines in an elevated position.

Methods and means for supporting electrical conducting lines have been devised for use since the inception of electrical transmission lines. Electrical conducting lines carrying a charge of any magnitude, and particularly that in the kilovolt range, are of significant weight, and require supporting brackets for retention of said lines, as upon a crossarm, or other supporting device. An early form of means for supporting insulated conductors is shown in US. Pat. No. 2,430,378, wherein a series of cables are shown twisted together and supported by a sustaining tensioning element. Other forms of cable supports or reinforcements are shown in US. Pat. No. 2,275,019 wherein a metallic clamp may support a cable and its insulation in an elevated position. Where the conductor lines are to be supported upon a crossarm, the type of insulator shown in US. Pat. No. 3,288,918 may be utilized wherein a helical ribbon of resilient material may tie the conductor line to the formed insulator to hold the line balanced upon the insulator and in place.

Whereas the foregoing cable supports generally are used for supporting one or more horizontally disposed transmission lines, the foregoing supports are deficient or inoperative where the conductor line may be arranged vertically, as for example, where a grounding wire or other form of conductor, as an underground residential distribution cable of approximately /2 inch to 2 inches in diameter and incorporating a series of copper conductors is employed as a grounding wire or conductor. Any length of such a conductor is of significant weight and requires a sturdy bracket to support it vertically, particularly where there is a long drop from the point of its connection to, for example, a terminator, pot head or the like, to where it enters the ground. Various types of cable clamps have been devised to furnish this support, and one such bracket includes a lace like series of intermeshing wires that extends longitudinally under the weight of the cable while reducing in diameter for further gripping the conductor line disposed therein and supporting the same. The longer the wire bracket is extended, the narrower becomes its diameter, allowing for its gripping of the heavy conductor line. But, while this bracket mounting device may be effective for supporting a heavy cable, the gripping action of the meshing wires eventually causes their cutting into the insulator of the cable causing damage and a dangerous predicament.

It is therefore, the principal objectof this invention to provide for cable support which may embrace a significant length of the heavy conductor line, without Another object of this invention is to provide a cable supporting bracket which is useful for supporting the weight of a vertically disposed grounding wire, or the like, thereby alleviating any stress or pull upon the electrical device, such as a terminator, that may mount to the upper end of such a cable.

Another advantage of this invention is the provision of a support which gently but firmly holds a length of heavy cable.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following summary, and the description of the preferred embodiment in view of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings,

FIG. 1 discloses the cable support bracket of this invention connecting to a utility pole, said bracket mounting a length of electrical cable on top of which there is mounted a terminator;

FIG. 2 provides a separated view of the bracket, the cushioning pad, and the tie means of this invention, all as shown combined in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 provides a back side view of the bracket portion of this invention;

FIG. 4 provides a side view of the bracket portion of this invention;

FIG. 5 provides a top view of the bracket portion of this invention;

FIG. 6 provides a back view of a modified form of bracket portion of this invention;

FIG. 7 provides a side view of the bracket portion of this invention shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 provides a front view of the bracket portion of this invention shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 provides a top view of the bracket portion of this invention shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 provides a bottom view of the bracket portion of this invention shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 provides side view of a modified form of cable support bracket of this invention used for holding an increased length of a plurality of electrical conducting lines;

FIG. 12 provides a top view of the braket portion of the invention shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 provides a front view of the bracket portion of the invention shown in FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is disclosed the cable support bracket A of this invention which is mounted by'means of an angle or brace B to a utility pole U. This support A is useful for holding electrical conductor line(s) 1 generally in an upright position, although the bracket may also be used for holding conductor lines in a horizontal or other angular relationship. In this particular embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, the upward portion of the conductor line may mount a terminator T, or other electrical device such as a pot head, or the like. The terminator also connects by means of another angle B to the utility pole.

As previously summarized, the object of this invention is to provide means for the wrapped securement of a conductor line 1 to the cable support bracket, and at that position where the bracket will support the bulk of the weight of said cable, preferably just proximate to where it attaches to its electrical device, such as the terminator T, as shown. By referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the cable support bracket A of this invention includes a series of components comprising a bracket portion 2, being a rather elongated member, a cushioning member 3, that cooperates with the bracket portion 2 for supporting the cable, and a cable wrap or tie means 4 which, in this particular instance, is shown as a length of a helically resilient material, such as a polymer, which may be wrapped around the combination of the cable 1 as it adheres contiguous of the cushion 3 against the bracket portion 2 of this invention.

The bracket portion 2 of this invention is more aptly disclosed in FIGS. 3 through 5, and is therein shown as a length of an elongated member 5 preferably formed of some sturdy material such as aluminum, or some other metal or material, which member 5 is provided with a pair of surfaces 6 and 7 which form a channeled surface 8 into which the cable, and perhaps the cushioning member 3, may be disposed. Although the channeled surface 8 of this invention is herein disclosed as comprising a vee-shaped surface, othersurfaces are contemplated, such as a U-shaped surface or the like, which may conveniently embrace and partially surround the conductor line(s) l maintained contiguously therewith.

The elongated member 5 of the bracket portion 2 of this invention is provided with at least one extension, in this particular instance, the pair of extensions 9 and 10, around which the ends of the tie means 4 may be wrapped and engaged after said tie means has been substantially wrapped around the combined cable 1 and the bracket portion 2 of this invention as shown in FIG. 1. Extending from the backside of the elongated member 5 is at least one flange means 11, which integrally connects to the backside of the surfaces 6 and 7, said flange being provided for connecting to the angle B by means of the fastener 12 which may be disposed through the flange aperture 13. Although this means of connection is described as a fastener 12, other forms of connection may be utilized for fastening the cable support bracket of this invention to the angle bracket B.

Preferably the cable wrap or tie means for this invention is formed as a helically resilient length of polymer material which has been cut from a tube of such polymer, and resiliently retains this shape to provide for its natural curling around the bracket 2 and any conductor 1 retained contiguously therewith. The flange 11 is formed having a slot 14 provided therethrough and into which the tie means 4 may be initially inserted and properly spaced so as to provide for, in this particular embodiment, equal lengths of the same being disposed to either side of the flange to provide for symmetrical winding and coiling of said means around the combined bracket and cable as in FIG. 1.

Another desirable feature in the use of the polymer formed tie means 4 for supporting the cable to the bracket 2 is that such a tie means is inherently resilient and can expand or contract with the expansion of the electrically conducting cable, whose insulating material generally has significant expansion coefficient. In addition, this polymer tie means 4 may be doped with a conductive material in its formation, as for example through the use of an iron oxide compound, or other conducting material, so as to provide a means for conducting the peripheral charge that usually surrounds a cable of this magnitude from one side of the bracket to the other. Usually, a grounding wire, such as shown at I 15, and which is normally identified in the trade as one or more concentric neutrals, is wrapped around the cable 1 its full length, and provides a means for grounding the residual electrically induced field that for some reason generally surrounds such a cable. As shown in FIG. 1, this ground wire 15 is shown running the length of the cable 1, being attached through one or more of the apertures 16 provided through the bracket flange 11, and then is wound around the bottom portion of the cable 1 to where it extends to or into proximity with the ground. By doping the tie means 4 with an electrically conducting material, this charge may be conveyed past either end of the bracket 2 of this cable support, alleviating the necessity of further tieing of the concentric neutral 15 at this location.v

The cushioning means 3 of this invention may be formed of an elastomer, such as polyurethane, vinyl foam, or the like, and is designed for inserting against the channeled surface 8 of the bracket 2 so as to cushion the support of the cable ,1 thereagainst. This cushof its sides, so that it may snugly adhere against the'surface 8 of the bracket, or may conveniently grip the vertically disposed cable 1' as when it rests against the same. An adhesive such as one form of rubber resin or the like, as for example as acquired from the 3M Company as adhesive product No. R671, may be useful for this purpose. In actual practice, where the cushioning means 3 is provided with an adhesive surface on both of its sides, it has been found that said cushion will snugly adhere to the channel surface 8 of the bracket 2, and that when the cable l is embraced against the same, it is almost self supporting, even without the use of the wrap aroundtie means 4. But, to insure the support of the cable 1 against the bracket 2, it is desirable to also wrap the tie means 4 around the combined cable and the bracket and its cushioning means.

Wrapping the tie means 4 around the cable and bracket, as previously described, is a simple procedure for any electrician or lineman to perform. The tie means 4 may be inserted through the slot 14 of the flange l1, and its lengths preferably gauged at equal distances to either side'of the flange, and then it is wrapped around the combined cable as inserted against the bracket 2 along its channeled surface. When a cushioning means 3 is disposed intermediate thereof, and one which has the adhesive, or pressure sensitive adhesived surfaces on either of its sides, the cable 1 is very firmly held in place, and significant weights can be supported by the bracket under these conditions. All this is achieved without the use of any mechanical means pressing against the cable 1, which thereby eliminates the usual mechanical stresses which are detri mental and damaging to the insulating cover of electrical cable.

A slight modification in the type of bracket portion that may be utilized in combination with the other elements of the cable support bracket of this invention is disclosed in FIG. 6. Essentially this bracket portion '17 shifts the flange means 18 to the upper end of the bracket, so that, for example, when ground wires or other heavy electrical cable is being supported vertically upon a utility pole, or other-mounting device, greater vertical stability will be achieved with the flange 18 connecting with the angle B proximate its upper end.

This bracket portion 17 includes the usual integral angled surfaces 19 and 20, as previously described, which form a channel like surface, as at 21, into which an electrical cable 1 may be contiguously inserted and snugly retained to the same by means of a tie means 4. Naturally, there may or may not be included a cushioning means 3 depending upon dimension and weight of the cable being supported. The flange 18 includes an aperture 22 through which any type of fastening means may be attached for connection of this cable bracket to the angle support B. Extending at designated angles from the backside of the integral surfaces 19 and 20 are a pair of extensions 23 and 24 around which the ends of the tie means 4 may be wrapped for engaging of the same to the said support and keeping these ends from unraveling.

An additional modification in the cable support bracket of this invention is shown in FIGS. 11 through 13. Whereas the standard form of this bracket may incorporate an included angle of approximately 90 between the integral surfaces 6 and 7, or 19 and 20, the included angle disclosed in this particular embodiment may be in the vicinity of 70 to 130 and a bracket having this wider angle may be used for supporting a plurality of electrical cables 1. In addition, the concentric neutrals, as shown at 15, may be wrapped around the three cables shown, and the combined cables and concentric neutral may be all embraced by the surfaces 25 and 26 of the bracket portion 27. Intermediate the supported cables and the bracket portion 27 may be included the type of cushioning means 28 previously identified, and a tie means, such as tie means 4, may be wrapped around the combined bracket and supported cables for retaining the same together. The usual extensions 29 and 30 may project from the backside of the bracket portion 27 for providing means for tieing the ends of the tie means 4 and to prevent the same from becoming loose.

Also projecting from the back side of the bracket portion 27 may be one or more flanges 31 which are provided with the usual apertures 32 to provide for encan be used, for example, for supporting grounding wires for other electrical cables proximate the vicinity of the upper portion of a high building, and can provide the sole means for support of such cables for their full length. But, some buildings may be of significant height, as for example, the usual skyscraper, in which case a series of these cable supports may be placed periodically spaced along the height of the building and provide supplemental support for holding a series of cables in place.

To assist in the support of the one or more tie means 4 that may be used for holding the series of cables against the channeled surface 33, each flange 31 may be provided with a small slot, as at 34, through which the tie means 4 may be inserted and measured before being wrapped around the combined bracket portion 27 and its contiguous cables. Then, the tie means, at its ends, may be wrapped around the extensions 29 and 30. But, where this cable support may be of significant length, approximating 10 feet as previously explained, there may be a series of pairs of extensions, such as those shown at 29 and 30, projecting from the backside of the bracket portion 27 to provide a pair of extensions for each flange 31 so that the ends of the proximate tie means 4 may be secured and tied after being wrapped around the combined bracket portion 27 and its cables 1.

Numerous variations in the construction of the cable support bracket of this invention, within the scope of the appended claims, will occur to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure. The description of the preferred embodiments are merely illustrative, and any variations or use of equivalent structures, within the scope of the following claims, are desired to be protected.

We claim:

1. A cable support bracket for use in holding and supporting at least one underground residential distribution cable or other electrical conducting line of substantial weight vertically with respect to a utility pole, said bracket including an elongated member disposed for being mounted in parallel with the length of a utility pole, said elongated member having a channeled surface substantially vee-shaped thereby disposing a pair of surfaces against which a conducting line may be embraced and held, tie means operatively associated with said elongated member for retaining line in the channeled surface and against the vee-shaped surfaces of said elongated member, and flange means projecting from the back side of said elongated member and disposed for mounting of said bracket in a cable supportive position vertically upon the utility pole.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said tie means is of a size to provide for wrapping around the combined bracket and an embraced conducting line, and said elongated member having at least one extension from its end and being disposed for securing of the tie means while holding said line to the bracket.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein an extension projects from both ends of the elongated member, and said tie means is capable of being secured around each extension while fastening a conducting line to the bracket.

4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said tie means is formed from a resilient polymer and is helically cut to fonn a spiral shaped resilient ribbon for use in wrapping around the combined elongated member and conducting line.

5. The inventionof claim 4 wherein said tie means is doped with a semi-conductor material to render it electrically conductive. l

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the vee-shape of the channeled surface forms an angle of between about to 7. The invention of claim 1 and including a cushioning means disposed couched within and extending the length of the channeled surface of the elongated member and provided for frictionally retaining a conducting line to said member.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said cushioning means is adhesively mounted to the channel surface of the elongated member.

7 '9. The invention of claim 7 wherein said cushioning means includes an outer adhesive surface for adhering -a line to the bracket.

10. The invention of claim 1 wherein the elongated niea'ns'is arranged perpendicularly with respect to its V integral elongated member.

14. The invention of claim 1 wherein more than one flange means projects from said elongated member. 7

15. The invention of claim 1 wherein said flange means includes an aperture therethrough, said tie .means provided for wrapping around the combined bracket'and conducting line, and said tie means being.

disposed through said flange aperture to provide for its positioning.

I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,79ua751 Dated e u ry 197 Inventor(s) Marion R. Farmer and Michael Heinrich It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 1, Column 6, line 32, after "retaining" insert a Signed and sealed this 9th day ofv July 1971 (SEAL). Attest: v I

MCCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer I Commissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 6Os76-P69 u.s GOVERNMENT rnm'mm OFFICE 1 an o-Jss-au.

FORM PC4050 (10-69) V UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 3 ,79 l,75l Dated February 26, 1971+ Patent No.

Inventor(s) Marion R. Farmer and Michael Heinrich It is certified that error appears in the above-identified. patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 1, Column 6, line 32, after "retaining" insert a Signed and sealed this 9th day of July 197E.

(SEAL), Attest:

I MCCOY M. GIBSON, JR. 0. MARSHALL DANN I Attesting Officer a Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-IOS O (10-69) v uscommoc 60376-P69 v VI U.5. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE III! 0-36-33. 

1. A cable support bracket for use in holding and supporting at least one underground residential distribution cable or other electrical conducting line of substantial weight vertically with respect to a utility pole, said bracket including an elongated member disposed for being mounted in parallel with the length of a utility pole, said elongated member having a channeled surface substantially vee-shaped thereby disposing a pair of surfaces against which a conducting line may be embraced and held, tie means operatively associated with said elongated member for retaining line in the channeled surface and against the veeshaped surfaces of said elongated member, and flange means projecting from the back side of said elonGated member and disposed for mounting of said bracket in a cable supportive position vertically upon the utility pole.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said tie means is of a size to provide for wrapping around the combined bracket and an embraced conducting line, and said elongated member having at least one extension from its end and being disposed for securing of the tie means while holding said line to the bracket.
 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein an extension projects from both ends of the elongated member, and said tie means is capable of being secured around each extension while fastening a conducting line to the bracket.
 4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said tie means is formed from a resilient polymer and is helically cut to form a spiral shaped resilient ribbon for use in wrapping around the combined elongated member and conducting line.
 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said tie means is doped with a semi-conductor material to render it electrically conductive.
 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the vee-shape of the channeled surface forms an angle of between about 70* to 130*.
 7. The invention of claim 1 and including a cushioning means disposed couched within and extending the length of the channeled surface of the elongated member and provided for frictionally retaining a conducting line to said member.
 8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said cushioning means is adhesively mounted to the channel surface of the elongated member.
 9. The invention of claim 7 wherein said cushioning means includes an outer adhesive surface for adhering a line to the bracket.
 10. The invention of claim 1 wherein the elongated member is between about 6 inches to 10 feet in length.
 11. The invention of claim 1 wherein said flange means is vertically arranged.
 12. The invention of claim 1 wherein said flange means is arranged parallel with respect to its integral elongated member.
 13. The invention of claim 1 wherein said flange means is arranged perpendicularly with respect to its integral elongated member.
 14. The invention of claim 1 wherein more than one flange means projects from said elongated member.
 15. The invention of claim 1 wherein said flange means includes an aperture therethrough, said tie means provided for wrapping around the combined bracket and conducting line, and said tie means being disposed through said flange aperture to provide for its positioning. 